While the Nexus elite have since moved on to KitKat, there are still a lot of devices just getting by with some flavor of Jelly Bean. At least Sony is keeping its promise of updating devices to the latest version of that sweet-themed platform. Android 4.3 is beginning to make its way to the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, And Xperia Tablet Z.

This update will include all the platform enhancements from Google, but also some new Sony features. Here's the full changelog:

Launched with Xperia Z1, we’re now bringing Sony’s Smart Social Camera to these devices – our signature camera experience, that lets you download, access and enjoy “Xperia camera apps” directly from within the viewfinder

Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration* – a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, offering seamless access to both local and cloud content

The launch of our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – more on this soon…

Battery STAMINA Mode – updated version of Sony’s power management app, now with refreshed interface and more smart options for prolonging battery life

Increased user control for Xperia Tablet Z, with “Restricted Profiles”; option to create isolated, secure spaces with individual local storage, home screens, widgets and settings

Just because this update is being deployed by Sony, that doesn't mean all versions of these devices will get it right away. The unlocked international variants are probably going to see the OTA soon, but carriers will need to give their stamp of approval for any locked devices.

Sony Begins Rolling Out Android 4.3 To The Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, And Xperia Tablet Z... while Motorola have already rolled out Android 4.4 to the Moto X.

Nice job, Sony!

Ambroos

4.4 is coming soon, Sony has already confirmed it'll be made available.

Also, Sony's own software package is a lot bigger than what Motorola adds and it's actually pretty good. Sony's Camera software, Walkman (for music), Album and phonebook apps are all really good. In addition to that since 4.3 they have support for full SystemUI and Framework skinning at runtime. There's an SDK on the way that allows you to create your own themes to replace nearly all images and colours in the basic UI.

The (very) small advantages of 4.4 over 4.3 really do not outweigh the benefit of Sony's software - if you learn to appreciate it. I've ran AOSP 4.4 on my Z while running Sony's 4.2 on my Z1 and I can tell you that I really, really prefer Sony's software. There's just so much more functionality!

Why would they? 4.3.1 was a very late release that probably contained some Nexus 7-specific bugfixes. It's not relevant for other devices.

Ambroos

Probably good to mention that Sony has confirmed 4.4 for all these devices and that 4.4 is expected to arrive in a few months. That is for the Z1, Z Ultra, Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z.

The rollout for 4.3 also continues, next up are the SP, T, TX and V.

Also worth mentioning is that Sony doesn't just update Android, they update their whole app suite. Whatever Sony's improved with the Xperia Z1 software-wise, all these other phones will benefit from it too. If I remember most other manufacturers might release updates but they hardly change anything except for the version number in settings. With Sony's updates you get a whole new set of software and features with every update.

Anthony Rubbert

I'm just curious, is the TL model also included in this next run of updates, as the T is?

Ambroos

The TL is just the US variant of the T. I think you'll have to ask AT&T for it. It should be, but if it isn't I'm pretty sure you can just flash firmware for the T manually (it's easy) without any issues. More info on XDA.

My name is….

Who cares?
People need faster updates.

What about mid-ranged devices?

Sony's model is not good. They should change things.

AHWH

Really? What about HTC with its Sense 5 to Sense 5.5 for phones moving to 4.3/4.4. Or for even more dramatic effect, Sense 4+ to Sense 5 from 4.1 to 4.2.2/4.3. Samsung also does it with its Touchwiz UX2 to TW UX3 moving from 4.1 to 4.3/4.4.

Gents, use your pc companion or if youre on mac, go to Xperia Care and get the bridge for osx

Mike_from_Saskatoon

Thanks Brendon. It came in a few weeks ago.

To be fair though, I haven't really noticed anything to get excited about with the new 4.3. Oh well, upgrades are nice, and this one seems to not come with any baggage like the Windows 8.1 "upgrade".

Brendon Brown

haha, Is there a notable difference in speed with project butter ?

Mike_from_Saskatoon

I haven't noticed any, but then I never noticed any speed issues before the update either. Perhaps Project Butter is more noticeable for older or lower-end models? The Xperia Z Ultra has one of the most powerful set of specs out there, so maybe it just doesn't make a noticeable difference?

I'm also not an techie -- I've never benchmarked my phone, so I can't tell you if it made any technical difference.

Brendon Brown

I rate the first few devices seeing a difference would be the Xperia Z ZL ZR and Tab Z ?